ANDY CARROLL is still open minded about his future – but it is believed that he is prepared for life at Anfield for the rest of the calendar year at least.

GEORDIE boy Andy Carroll is still open minded about his future – but it is believed that he is prepared for life at Anfield for the rest of the calendar year at least.

The Chronicle understands that the striker has no problem fighting for his place at Liverpool if Newcastle United fail to come up with a package to bring him back home to Tyneside in the next couple of days.

If anyone knows things can change drastically in the transfer window, however, it is Carroll.

It was just 20 months ago that the striker woke up to train with Newcastle in January 2011 only to be wearing a Liverpool tracksuit by the end of the day, having been whisked to Merseyside via helicopter to complete a record-breaking British transfer.

There have been no serious approaches from AC Milan to take the player to Serie A on loan, despite reports in Italy yesterday.

Milan are under major pressure from protesting fans to bring in new blood and Carroll’s name cropped up again.

But sources close to Carroll were quick to dismiss talk he would be interested before San Siro chief executive Adriano Galliani also said: “We have enough forwards.”

Carroll though has grown tired of talk about his future. An associate of his told the Chronicle: “Andy just wants to play football and concentrate on his career at club and international level.

“He’s aware of everything in the media. But his outlook has always been to just work hard in training, something he’s done all summer.”

Two months of speculation are finally set to come to an end in the next couple of days for Carroll.

The striker – through no fault of his own – was faced with a frosty reception when he returned to Liverpool after the summer break as Brendan Rodgers initially indicated that he was free to leave the club due to his wish to play in a less direct fashion.

Since then Rodgers has backtracked and with no club willing to meet an asking price of more than £20million, Carroll has simply got his head down and worked hard in training as he tries to force the issue at Anfield.

Understandably Carroll would not complain if he did land a move back to St James’ Park before the window slams shut.

He doesn’t want to stay somewhere he isn’t wanted and should Liverpool accept a bid from United, the big striker would see this as being shown the door at the club he signed for in January 2011 for £35million.

However, it is thought that Carroll would be happy to stay and fight for his place with Liverpool.

The Chronicle also understands that Carroll has made it clear to senior figures at Anfield that it has NEVER been his intention to walk away from his current contract.

And he was buoyed by the warm response from the Kop in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

The source close to Carroll continued: “That reception meant a lot to Andy.

“He knows that he’s got the fans by his side and he’d never dream of letting any of them down.”

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